Marie-François Goron

Marie-François Goron (2 March 1847, in Rennes-4 February 1933, in Sannois), was a French police official and best-selling author. A number of developments in the French police force took place under his direction.

After joining the army between 1865-1875, he then rapidly rose through the ranks of the French police, becoming Chief of the Sûreté, the French criminal spy police, in 1887. Goron held this position for seven years, until 1894.

While at the head of the Sûreté and as the first occupant of 36, quai des Orfèvres, Goron was a key figure in a series of judicial and political affairs. For instance, he was responsible for the arrest of Clément Duval and Vittorio Pini, considered foundational figures of illegalism. He also solved his most renowned case, the Gouffé Case, where his relentless investigation led to its resolution. A few years later, he played a central role and was a significant witness in the Clichy Affair, followed by the Ère des attentats (1892-1894), during which he was tasked with thwarting anarchist bombings. Notably, he arrested Jean-Pierre François.

Following accusations of corruption, Goron was demoted and subsequently left his position to open a private firm in 1895. He then transitioned into a successful career as an author, publishing numerous works. His Memoirs, released in four volumes in 1897, serve as a significant, albeit biased, source of information about the period.